Quotes on the passing of Ruby Dee

The Associated Press

Posted:
06/12/2014 01:50:46 PM MDT

Updated:
06/12/2014 03:08:35 PM MDT

Click photo to enlarge

FILE - In this June 29, 2009 file photo, actress Ruby Dee, left, and director Spike Lee attend a special 20th anniversary screening of "Do the Right Thing," in New York. Dee, an acclaimed actor and civil rights activist whose versatile career spanned stage, radio television and film, has died at age 91, according to her daughter. Nora Davis Day told The Associated Press on Thursday, June 12, 2014, that her mother died at home at New Rochelle, New York, on Wednesday night. (AP Photo/Peter Kramer, file)

"Ruby Dee was a phenomenally rare artist and a jewel to our nation and community. I was privileged to work on several civil rights cases with her and her husband Ossie Davis. She was as committed to social justice as she was to the screen and stage. She will be greatly missed. " — The Rev. Al Sharpton.

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"We have lost another Tall Tree. What a life and an example of how to live it richly. When I mentioned her from the Tony Awards stage on Sunday, it was heartfelt. She and Ossie spent time with me during the staging of the Raisin revival ten years ago, and I will never forget her passion for the play; and her example as a true American theatre artist that inspired many of us to speak through our art. They don't get better than Ruby. Maya and Ruby leave us only days apart - those two women with four letter names instructed us on how to live. She will be missed but never forgotten as she lives on in many of us." — Director Kenny Leon.

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"I'm crushed by this bad news and I know Ruby has already been embraced in a warm loving hug from her life partner of 57 years — Mr. Ossie Davis. It has been one of my great blessings in life to work with two of the finest artist and activist — Ruby and Ossie... The both of you told us 'to always do the right thing.' — Spike Lee.

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"Standing on the shoulders of your legend and Forever grateful for ur impact on this world and my life Miss #RubyDee. Rest on High." — Tony winner Billy Porter.

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"I was 8 years old when I worked with her and although I was getting paid more than most people my age at the time — she made sure I stayed humble and that I still enjoyed my childhood. She always gave me food and drinks on set and made sure I wasn't playing too much in the Tampa heat (where we filmed the movie). She was like a second mom to me and always taught me great life lessons. One in particular was to appreciate everything I had and to be respectful and kind to everyone, even if they didn't give the same back. — Actor Norman D. Golden II, who co-starred with Dee in "Cop and a Half."

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